LPGA Name and Dates Change in Midland
Same wonderful Veterans Pavilion and Eat Great Trail available
By Tom Lang
A new name, new logo, new purse and new dates to play have been set for the fifth annual LPGA tournament at the Midland Country Club.
The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational appeared with great fanfare in 2019 as the LPGA Tour’s only official points event for teams, in which both players of a two-person team playing in a best-ball and alternate shot format earn Tour prize money and points.
The name has been changed to the simpler Dow Championship, and the dates have been moved forward to June 27-30. In past years, the tournament was in July, and because it was held right before the Evion Championship in Europe, the rounds were played on Wednesday through Saturday to give the pros an extra travel day for going overseas. Now the tournament will end on the more traditional Sunday afternoon.
The purse has also been increased to $3 million.
“We are thrilled to introduce our new logo, which captures the spirit of the Dow Championship and sets the stage for our continued growth and passion for our home region,” Carlos Padilla II, executive director of the Dow Championship, said in a recent news release. “As we embark on this exciting new era of the event, we remain steadfast in our mission to the tournament and the Great Lakes Bay Region.”
No doubt the team format is great for fans, if for no other reason the scoring is a little different and plays similar to a Ryder Cup, just not in the vein of U.S. vs Europe.
“I have been involved with the Dow Championship since its inaugural year in 2019,” said Kathryn Fanning, chairperson of the driving range at nearby Currie Golf Course. “As soon as I found out the LPGA was coming to Midland, I knew I had to be involved. Not only have I had the opportunity to connect with great players, staff, caddies, volunteers, and fans; but I have also been able to experience the togetherness and energy the event brings to the community.”
The tournament is always looking for volunteers, and you can help by going to this web address: https://dowchampionship.com/volunteer
“Volunteering at the Dow Championship has been such a fun and exciting experience,” said Penny Robinson. “The Dow Championship is one of the best run tournaments I’ve had the pleasure of working at and would highly encourage people looking for a volunteer opportunity to give this one a try.”
Tickets Go On Sale April 17:
Daily tickets to the tournament will be free on Tuesday and Wednesday. General Admission tickets are available for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, includes grounds access, public viewing bleacher seating and access to various concession areas located throughout the course.
Daily Tickets (valid one day, Thursday-Sunday): $10
Weekly Tickets (valid each day, Thursday-Sunday): $25
Kids (17 & under): Free with ticketed adult
Eat Great Trail presented by Garber Tickets
The Eat Great Trail gives spectators a chance to sample a variety of menu items on hospitality decks located throughout the course. A selection of beer and wine will also be available for guests 21 and over. Eat Great Trail tickets grant access to all Eat Great Trail locations as well as general admission access to the golf tournament.
Daily Tickets (Thursday-Sunday): $60
Individuals Aged 13-20: $20
Kids (12 & under): Free with a ticketed adult
Veteran’s Suite
All military personnel and veterans will receive one (1) free daily admission ticket each day to the Veteran’s Suite. Veteran’s Hospitality Tickets can be reserved online for each day of the tournament.
Military Personnel and Veterans will receive one (1) daily admission ticket with proof of valid ID or driver’s license
An additional complimentary Veteran’s Ticket upgrade for a guest is also included. The guest upgrade comes with a General Admissions ticket and access to the Veteran’s Hospitality Suite.
ALL tickets, and reservations for the Veteran’s Suite are online beginning April 17 at https://dowchampionship.com/tickets.
